Day 1: Hanoi Arrival ( Dinner)
Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of unified Vietnam. The city was founded in 1010 on the right bank of the Red River and was then known as ‘Thang Long’, roughly translated as "Soaring Dragon." Hanoi is one of the most charming cities in South East Asia with its authentic street scenes, large shady avenues, numerous lakes, manicured gardens and well-preserved architecture. Transfer from Noi Bai airport to your hotel. Free evening. Dinner and accommodation included.
Day 2 : Hanoi city tour (B,L)
The day is dedicated to a more in depth discovery of Hanoi beginning with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum. This imposing monument, dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam, was constructed from marble and granite and takes the form of a stylized lotus (closed Mondays and Fridays). Located nearby is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi. Continue your tour with a visit to the ancient Taoist Temple of Quan Thanh, where lies the genie protector of the city (or Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the shores of Lake West). Next visit the Temple of Literature, or van Mieu, a structure dedicated to Confucius. Constructed in 1070, the compound soon became first Vietnam’s university. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to sample some regional delicacies.
In the early afternoon visit the renowned Museum of Ethnography (closed Mondays), which houses an interesting collection of artifacts relating to the mosaic of ethnic groups that inhabit Vietnam. Alternatively, visit the Museum of History (closed Mondays) which displays an array of exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the fight against French colonization. This afternoon’s touring will also provide the opportunity to see Hanoi’s famed old quarter from the seat of a cyclo. During your tour around the district you will see some of the areas original 36 streets which have always sold the same wares. Silver Street, Silk Street and Flower Street are just a few. During your adventure through this maze of streets you will see traditional ‘tube houses’, a style of architecture indigenous to this part of Hanoi. Next, visit the Temple of Jade at the centre of atmospheric Hoan Kiem Lake, otherwise known as the lake of ‘the restored sword’.
Finish, the city tour with a stop at the food market in Hang Be Street. This afternoon is free for a stroll along the boulevards of the old colonial quarter where you can view some of the best French architecture in South East Asia. In the evening, visit Hanoi’s water puppets theatre to attend a performance of the traditional show. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Day 3: Hoalu Tamcoc (B,L,D) Night train to Sapa
Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh province and enjoy the drive through the luxurious vegetation of the Red River Delta. Continue on to Tam Coc and take a cruise up the river through karst hills and rice fields on a traditional boat, a photographer’s paradise. Sometimes referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, for some its beauty surpasses that of it’s coastal rival. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue your tour with a journey through bustling villages, rice paddies and some beautiful limestone rock formations. Arrive at Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam for 41 years under the Dinh and Le dynasties (between 968 and 980). Discover beautiful shrines dedicated to the Emperor Le Dinh, the first ruler to unify the country. Return to Hanoi. After dinner in Hanoi, take the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train (King express or similar, soft sleeper, 04 people share one cabin)
Day 4: LaoCai - Bacha market (B,L) – Only on Sunday
Arriving in Lao Cai in the early morning, begin your jeep exploration of this fascinating area with a visit to Bac Ha market, one of the most popular in the region. Held only on Sunday, the market is a focal point for many of the region’s ethnic groups. Groups such as the Flower H'mong, the Tay and the Thai come to trade wares such as silver jewelry and embroidered clothing. This spectacularly colourful market is justly well known for its many hand-made craft products. Lunch.
Depart Bac Ha for Sa Pa. Arrive in Sa Pa late in the afternoon and enjoy some free time for exploration of this pretty hill station. At an altitude of 1650 metres, with a refreshing temperate climate, Sa Pa was founded by the French in an effort to escape the oppressive heat of summer in the coastal plains. Near the town is the imposing Mount Fan Si Pan (3143m), Vietnam’s highest peak. This region can indeed be called the roof of Indochina. Sa Pa itself is a town with a powerful draw for the regions inhabitants, many of them from ethnic minorities. Groups such as the H'mong, Red Zao , Tay and Dzay regularly visit the town. The town also retains some of its former colonial feel with many stately mansions set amongst the stunning mountain scenery. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
- Option 1: Saturday: Replace Bac Ha market with a trip to Can Cau
- Option 2: Tuesday: Replace Bac Ha market with a trip to Coc Ly.
Day 5: Sapa Town - TaVan village (B,L)
The day is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sa Pa valley. Start by road that descends in the wake of the street Cau May (6 km) En route, admire the rice terraces hidden behind mist of the morning, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Follow a small track and cross the Muong Hoa River and pass well tended rice terraces on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai.
Continuing through the colourful rice terraces you will reach the village of Ta Van Giay. Lunch at a home in the village. Return to Sa Pa by bus. Overnight at hotel in Sapa
Day 6: Sapa - Hanoi (B,L) night train
Free day. You can visit the market daily Sa Pa where ethnic groups come to exchange their agricultural products or sell their traditional costumes facts carefully at the hands of women. Then you go to climb the mountain Ham Rong (Dragon jaw), where you can not miss the opportunity to take beautiful photos of the region. An interesting walk leads you to the theatre where you will have the opportunity to attend the spectacle of dancing five races of Sa Pa (optional for the group of over 10 persons).
In late afternoon, transfer to Lao Cai station. Take the night train from Lao Cai to Hanoi. Overnight on the train (King express or similar, soft sleeper, 04 people share one cabin)
Day 7: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L,D) Overnight on Junk with group
Arrive in Hanoi at 5 am. Pick up and Transfer to restaurant for breakfast then depart for the world famous Ha Long Bay, or bay of ‘the descending dragon’,
the 3 hour-and-a-half drive to Hong Gai Tourist Wharf, check in
Oriental Sails JSC’s private waiting hall - The OS Lounge.
12:30 – 13:00: Embark on Oriental Sails followed by cruise briefing.
13:00 – 15:30: Savor a delectable lunch as Oriental Sails cruises further along the limestone islands of Bai
Tu Long Bay.
15:30 – 16:30: You are free to choose one of the below options:
Fishing village visit
Those are interested in local daily life: Take a bamboo rowing boat trip (around 45 minutes) around Vung Vieng fishing village - one of the largest fishing villages in Halong Bay to see the life of local fishermen. The village is set in closed lagoon, surrounded by mountains, excellent settings for some good photos.
16:30 – 17:30: Return to Oriental Sails and have bath then relax as the sun starts to set.
17:30-19:00: Enjoy the Happy Hour at the bar and on the sun deck and take part in our cooking class with
Oriental Sails Chef
19:00: Dinner is served. Socialize with other guests, night squid fishing or just laze around. Singing and
dancing activities are available till 22h00.
Overnight on board at Cong Do Area
Day 8: Hanoi – Hue (B,L) Flight
06:30 – 07:00: Start your day with Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck.
07:00 – 09:00: Catch morning view of seascapes with a cup of tea or coffee, have breakfast while cruising
toward Thien Canh Son Cave
09:00 – 09:30: Visit Thien Canh Son Cave – the medium size and less visited cave in Bai Tu Long Bay
09:30 – 10:00: Check-out room. Luggage can be delivered to the reception area.
10:00 – 11:00: Head back to the Harbor. Have early lunch on board.
Disembark Oriental Sails at around 12h00.
12:00 – 16:30: Transfer back to Hanoi.
Transfer to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival in Hue, transfer to your hotel and check in. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 9: Hue city tour (B,L)
The day is spent discovering Hue, capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1993, the Citadel is only one of many well-preserved historical sites in the city and its environs. Cruise in a sampan on the Huong River (Perfume River) to Thien Mu Pagoda, or pagoda of the Heavenly Lady, a Buddhist shrine dating from the mid-seventeenth century.
Located on the banks of the Huong River, it is easily recognizable by its octagonal tower. Continue your tour with a visit to the Citadel, seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Construction began in 1804 under the orders of the first Emperor Gia Long after the site had been selected using principles of geomancy. The site is composed of three sections; the capital city (Thanh Kinh), the imperial city (Hoang Thanh) and the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh). It was largely destroyed in 1968 during the fighting that engulfed Hue following the Tet Offensive. Today, efforts are being made to restore and preserve this invaluable piece of heritage. Next, take a walk through Dong Ba market that offers an array of goods and produce, ranging from fresh vegetables to conical hats. Lunch at a local restaurant provides an opportunity to sample some of Hue’s famously refined cuisine.
In the afternoon visit the intricately decorated tomb of Khai Dinh, which contains a beautiful altar and a bust of the king. Next, visit Minh Mang’s mausoleum located on the left bank of the Huong River, which represents the perfect harmony between nature and architecture. Return to Hue. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 10: Hue - Hoian (B,L)
Depart Hue for Hoi An. This drive is reputedly the most beautiful in all Vietnam, taking you past coastal fishing settlements, most notably Lang Co with its stunning lagoon backdrop. The drive also takes you over Hai Van Pass, or ‘pass of the ocean clouds’. En route stop in Da Nang for a visit to the informative Cham Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Cham artifacts in the world (optional). En route, stopping in a village of stone carvers at the foot of the Marble Mountain. Continue on to the delightful town of Hoi An which stands on the banks of the Thu Bon river, some thirty kilometers southeast of Da Nang. Check-in to hotel on arrival. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Arrive in Hoian. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
Day 11: Hoian - Tra Que - MySon (B,L)
Depart early for the village Tra Que, where you can learn more about rural life in the region. Meet the locals and participate in some of their daily activities, whilst learning more about their lifestyle. Finish off your experience with a delicious lunch featuring some of the produce grown locally.
In the afternoon, continue your exploration of the area with a trip to My Son. Located approximately 60 km south of Da Nang this site is considered the most important Cham site in Vietnam and is classified by UNESCO as world heritage. The collection of temples, shrines and towers were constructed in a stunning valley and is ringed by verdant rainforest. My Son was the ancient capital of a powerful Cham kingdom, which held sway over this part of central Vietnam between the 2nd and 13th C. The visit to My Son offers us a glimpse into the fascinating history of this Malayo-Polynesian culture. The trip is a must for aficionados of architecture and the history of the Cham people. Back to Hoian. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
Day 12: HoiAn - Danang Nhatrang (B, L ) Flight
Transfer to the airport for your flight from Da Nang to Nha Trang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. The afternoon is free, with the opportunity to enjoy the beach or explore this picturesque seaside resort. Whilst also being a fishing port, Nha Trang has one of the best beaches in Vietnam. Lined with coconut palms, the beach is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the many sunshine hours that Nha Trang enjoys. Free time in Nha Trang. Overnight at hotel in Nha Trang
Day 13: Nhatrang (B,L)
In the morning travel to Nha Trang quay where you will board your boat for an unforgettable trip around the man islands that ring the city. After a short cruise disembark for a beautiful walk to the Tri Nguyen aquarium, on nearby Tri Nguyen Island. Here you can admire many species of fish, shrimp, crabs and giant turtles. The island is also home to a small fishing community named Hon Mun. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy the laid back atmosphere as you sample some delicious seafood dishes.
The afternoon is devoted to a city tour of Nha Trang. Visit the famous Cham towers of Po Nagar, a stunning Cham complex and the peaceful Hon Chong promontory. Conclude the tour with a trip to the Long Son Pagoda and its enormous white Buddha. Located on the outskirts of town, it is the oldest pagoda Nha Trang. Overnight at hotel in Nha Trang
Day 14: Nhatrang -Dalat (B,L)
After breakfast, leave NhaTrang for Dalat - the charmng city in Highland. enjoy the beauty of scenery en route. we arrive at Da Lat, the Hauts Plateau Centre at an altitude of 1 500 metres, Da Lat, place flowers, including roses, enjoys a temperate climate, with no less than four seasons per day! The city, located on the plateau Lang Biang, is considered the "Switzerland" of Vietnam. Arrive in Da Lat. Free time in Da Lat. Overnight at hotel in Da Lat.
Day 15: Dalat (B,L)
Breakfast at your hotel. Start your trip in Da Lat city with the visiting of Bao Dai Summer Palace, Dalat Cathedral, Buddhist Meditation Monastery & Paradise Lake, Datanla Waterfall
Having lunch at a restaurant
Afternoon visiting: Lang Biang mountain . Overnight at hotel in Da Lat.
Day 16: Datat - Hochiminh city (B, L )
Have breakfast at your hotel in Da Lat. Transfer to Sai Gon.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
As you know, Saigon-Hochiminh city is famous, called “Little Paris” during the French War an“The pear of the Far-East” during US war.
Your visits:
Notre dame Catheral, built between 1877 and 1883 by French, most of the materials were transferred from Marseille (France). Next to the Church, you walk to visit the Central Post Office, built 1886 and ended 1891 by Gustave Eiffel. Your next destination is Reunification Palace which was built in 1868, named Norodom Palace and inaugurated in 1873. In 1963, this palace was heavily destroyed by bombs. On 30 April 1975, the tanks of the liberation army entered Independence Palace. After the liberation, Independence Palace became the headquarters of the City’s military Administration Committee.
At the end of your tour with stop at Ben Thanh market, the goods in here are abundant, including almost all-domestic products. Night at Hotel.
Day 17: Hochiminh city - TayNinh CuChi Tunel - Hochiminh city (B, L )
Have breakfast at your hotel.
Excursion to Tay Ninh to visit the spectacular Cao Dai temple, the Cathedral of the religion of the same name. This sect, originating in Vietnam, draws freely from other philosophies of Christianity and Confucianism. The architecture of the cathedral is stunning, neither Eastern nor Western. You can attend the main ceremony at Noon (Remove your shoes before entering). Lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue to visit Cu Chi, where the Viet Cong confused the Americans through a miracle of primitive technology. The guerrillas escaped from their enemies through a maze of resistant bomb tunnels that span nearly 200 km. Most of these tunnels are too narrow for Western visitors, who usually, rapidly become claustrophobic. But a small portion of the labyrinth has been enlarged to give tourists a glimpse of the city underground Cu Chi. Back in in Hochiminh city at the end of the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Hochiminh city.
Day 18: Hochiminh city - CaiBe - Vinh Long -Cantho (B,L)
Start early by road to Cai Be located 105 km south of Sai Gon. Now boarding a boat on the Mekong through the floating markets of Cai Be, where you can admire displays of fruits and vegetables. Explore islands, visiting factories where they prepared delicious sweets based small coconut, popcorns, rice cakes and so on. Lunch in a garden of bonsai or in an old house. You will enjoy the famous fish "elephant ear".
Continuation of visit by a small sampan ride through the shady canals to Vinh Long. You will cross over the parkway many small boats carrying fruits, vegetables, fish. Parkway in orchards, tasting tropical fruits. In late afternoon, transfer by road to Can Tho, an important rice in the Mekong Delta, known as the Capital of the West, located at the edge of Hau Giang, arm the southern Mekong. Overnight at hotel in Can Tho
Day 19: Cantho - Saigon (B,L)
Early morning, tour guide meets you at your hotel. You are transferred by boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market (about 50 minutes from your hotel) where you can see the products hung on the bole of the boat. The local people just only sell and buy the tropical fruits with cheap price. Next, you visit factory where people make rice noodles. Say goodbye Can Tho city. Drive back to sai Gon. Drop you off at your hotel in Sai Gon.. Overnight at hotel in Hochiminh city.
Day 20: Departure (B)
Free day until departure. Free until departure from hotel. Transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of our service. |